We have effectively eliminated almost 3 billion birds in North America in less than 50 years.  As a bird watcher I have noticed less traffic at my feeders and less birds overall in the woods when hiking trails.  I find it is sometimes eerily silent when there should be abundant singing in the warmer months. 

At my home we love birds and do [...]

Your septic system is in most cases, unseen, unclean, and unloved.  Septic repairs and replacements can be a huge expense that buyers and sellers are forced to confront after a septic inspection reveals issues that will need to be negotiated before a sale will take place.  If you have city water and sewer you should still observe the [...]

New England has been experiencing more rainfall and more intense storms due to the increasing amounts of CO2 in our atmosphere —which  is effectively an insulating blanket around our planet—pushing temperatures on land and sea to rise.  In Rhode Island, known as the "ocean state", annual precipitation has risen by 5 inches since 1950 and the [...]

The insect population has dropped by 45% over the last 4 decades.  40% of all insects are at risk of extinction.   It’s our fault.  Habitat loss, rampant pesticide use, millions of acres of sterile grass and urbanization and the replacement of native plants with pest-resistant ornamentals, are responsible for the putting insects in imminent [...]

I finally visited one of Mansfield’s newest preserves, the Simpson-Wood Preserve on Route 89 across the road from the Mt. Hope Park.  It is an easy 2 mile trail among 114 acres of woods with some beautiful ledges and stonewalls.  There are a couple of “alternate routes” that skirt slight inclines if you prefer strictly level hiking.  [...]

You've sold your home.  That was the easy part.  Now you've got to get rid of years of accumulated stuff in the attic, basement, garage, shed, spare bedroom and beyond.  Where to turn?  If you don't have the time or desire to do it yourself , you can hire a professional organizer or clean out company.   We have a couple of recommendations [...]

 In spite of the  roll backs of environmental protections, you can take your own actions to protect yourself and your family from dangerous levels of radon in your home. 

The EPA estimates that 1 in 15 homes have higher than acceptable levels of radon.   During January, the U.S. Surgeon General and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [...]

According to a recent study,  bird populations have plummeted by 29% since 1970.  The news is grim.  According to the study, more than 700 million birds across 31 species that make their homes in fields and farmlands have vanished since 1970.  We were first alerted of the dangers of DDT through Rachel Carson's environmental best [...]

I went the woods because it rains like everyday lately and I had to get in to the woods.  I visited 2 local  parks,  Fenton-Ruby Park in Willington and  Mansfield Hollow State Park in Mansfield.   I was greeted by rain & overcast skies but a fair amount of green given the lack of sunshine we've expereinced in April and May so far this year.  [...]

A full 70% of Americans say tidying their home offers them a feeling of accomplishment, 61% say it makes them feel "de-stressed," 54% say they experience "relaxation,” 47% say they feel more “productive” and 31% say they feel more “confident”.  According to a survey of 2,000 adults released [...]